Ground broken for new Habitat home in Oregon

Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County broke ground May 3 on a new home in Oregon. Pictured here are Tom Hughes, Oregon Mayor Tom Stone, Lori Wagner, Josh Franks, Randy Wagner, Dave Starke, habitat president Bob Van Stedum, and family Vincenzo and Jennifer Larson. Photo by Chris Johnson

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Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County President Bob Van Stedum, Vincenzo and Jennifer Larson break ground on a new home May 3 in Oregon. Photo by Chris Johnson

A new home will start taking shape soon in Oregon following a ceremonial ground breaking last week.

Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County is helping future homeowner Jennifer Larson and her son Vincenzo build a house at 210 S. Sixth Street.

"We are here to dedicate our next build," said Habitat for Humanity of Ogle County President Bob Van Stedum on May 3. "We would not be here if it were not for the generosity of the Marie Black family."

The lot at the corner of Sixth and Monroe Streets was donated by the Black family.

An old house was torn down to make room for the Habitat home.

"We are very excited," said Larson. "It was touching to have the support."

Larson said she expects her family and friends to support her throughout the build.

Oregon Mayor Tom Stone said Larson's family will enjoy living in Oregon.

"I want to welcome you and I am sure you will be a wonderful addition to our community," he said.

Pastor Brion Brooks offered a blessing for the project before Habitat board members, the buildings, and family did the ground breaking.

Wagner Construction and Plum Electric will offer their services during the construction.

This is the ninth home build in Ogle County.

The construction of the home is expected to be completed by September. In addition to the help of volunteers, the family will provide a minimum of 200 hours of “sweat equity.”

Habitat for Humanity empowers low-income families in need by partnering with them to build decent, affordable housing.

Habitat works to give families a hand up, not a hand out, by providing the family with a no-profit, no-interest mortgage loan.

Families are chosen based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the loan.